In the heart of Europe’s military innovation scene, Belgrade once again became the epicenter of defense technology when the annual Partner 2025 exhibition kicked off this month. Amidst a showcase of cutting-edge weaponry and strategic systems from across the globe, Serbia stole the spotlight with a groundbreaking demonstration of its indigenous Miloš V1 unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). This compact yet ferocious tracked platform isn’t just another addition to the arsenal—it’s a testament to Serbia’s ambitious push toward modernizing its armed forces in an era where unmanned systems are rewriting the rules of engagement. Far from a mere static display, the Miloš V1 was put through its paces in simulated battlefield scenarios, testing innovative tactics that blend remote operation, precision firepower, and tactical mobility to dominate urban and rugged terrains. As global tensions simmer and hybrid warfare evolves, Serbia’s bold move signals a shift toward autonomous lethality, positioning the nation as a rising player in the international defense market.
Partner 2025, held in the Serbian capital from September 17 to 20, 2025, is more than an arms fair—it’s a strategic forum where NATO partners, regional allies, and defense contractors converge to explore collaborative opportunities. This year’s event, themed around “Innovation in Defense and Security,” drew over 200 exhibitors and thousands of attendees, including high-ranking officials from the Serbian Ministry of Defense and international delegations. Amidst the buzz of helicopters, armored vehicles, and missile systems, the Miloš V1 emerged as a highlight, not only for its technical prowess but for how it embodies Serbia’s self-reliant defense industry. Developed by the Belgrade-based Military Technical Institute in collaboration with local firms like Yugoimport-SDPR, the drone represents years of R&D investment aimed at reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while enhancing operational capabilities in asymmetric conflicts.
At its core, the Miloš V1 is a remotely operated, tracked UGV designed for high-risk missions where human soldiers would face unacceptable dangers. Weighing in at a nimble 670 kilograms, this beast measures just 1.725 meters in length, 770 millimeters wide, and 950 millimeters tall—compact enough to navigate tight urban alleys or dense forested underbrush without compromising on firepower. Its low-slung profile and robust tracked chassis grant it superior cross-country mobility, allowing it to traverse muddy fields, rocky outcrops, and debris-strewn battlefields where wheeled counterparts might falter. With a top speed of 10 kilometers per hour and an operational endurance of approximately three hours on a single charge, the Miloš V1 strikes an ideal balance for short-range tactical insertions. One of its standout features is the zero-radius turning capability, enabling razor-sharp pivot maneuvers that make it a nightmare for adversaries in confined spaces. Operators, safely ensconced miles away in a command post, can direct the vehicle via encrypted wireless links, minimizing exposure to enemy fire while maximizing situational awareness.
What truly sets the Miloš V1 apart, however, is its lethal payload—a modular armament suite tailored for versatility across anti-personnel, anti-armor, and suppressive fire roles. The primary weapon is the domestically produced 7.62 x 54R M86 automatic machine gun, a battle-proven staple in Serbian inventories. This 11.6-kilogram powerhouse boasts a 780-millimeter barrel and an overall length of 1,100 millimeters, delivering a blistering cyclic rate of 700 to 800 rounds per minute. While its sustained fire rate is more conservative to manage heat buildup, the M86’s effective range stretches to 1,000 meters, making it ideal for hosing down infantry clusters or pinning down light vehicles. Ammunition logistics are straightforward yet efficient: a 100-round belt-fed box weighs about 3.9 kilograms, while a 250-round variant tips the scales at 9.4 kilograms. Quick-change barrels, forged with chrome plating for durability, ensure the gun stays cool during prolonged engagements, and electric triggering allows seamless remote activation without mechanical wear.
Complementing the machine gun is the RBG 40/6 40-millimeter grenade launcher, a six-round drum-fed system compatible with standard NATO 40 x 46-millimeter grenades. With a compact 250-millimeter barrel, it achieves a maximum effective range of 375 meters and a practical rate of fire around 12 rounds per minute—perfect for lobbing high-explosive or smoke payloads into cover or over obstacles. For heavier threats, the Miloš V1 packs two 64-millimeter M80 Zolja short-range anti-tank launchers. These single-use, recoilless rockets punch through up to 300 millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor at several hundred meters, turning the UGV into a tank-busting ambush predator. The launchers’ disposable nature keeps the platform lightweight, and their integration underscores Serbia’s emphasis on cost-effective, mission-specific configurations.
Beyond brute force, the Miloš V1’s effectiveness hinges on its sophisticated sensor and control suite. The turret offers full 360-degree azimuthal traverse at speeds from a creeping 0.05 degrees per second to a swift 45 degrees per second, with elevation ranging from -5 degrees (for hull-down firing) to +45 degrees (to engage elevated targets). This agility is powered by a wireless remote control system that feeds live video and telemetry to the operator’s console. Vision systems include a high-resolution day CCD camera with continuous optical zoom for pinpoint targeting in broad daylight, paired with a thermal imaging night camera featuring digital zoom for low-light or obscured conditions. A laser rangefinder with a 2,000-meter effective range adds precision, allowing operators to calculate ballistic solutions on the fly and engage threats with surgical accuracy—day or night, rain or fog.
During Partner 2025 demonstrations, the Miloš V1 wasn’t just parked for show; it was actively tested in dynamic scenarios simulating urban combat and border skirmishes. In one sequence, the drone infiltrated a mock enemy outpost, using its thermal sensors to detect hidden infantry before unleashing a barrage from the M86 to suppress movement. Operators then switched to the grenade launcher to flush out dug-in positions, culminating in Zolja strikes against simulated light armor. These tactics highlighted the UGV’s role in “swarm” operations, where multiple Miloš units could coordinate with manned forces or aerial drones for layered firepower. Serbian military experts emphasized how such integration reduces casualties while amplifying force projection, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s real-world use of similar UGVs against Russian advances.
Serbia’s broader ecosystem bolsters the Miloš V1’s deployability. The nation’s Ammunition Technical Overhaul Institution (ATOI) handles everything from 40-millimeter grenade production to 155-millimeter artillery shells, including custom tooling and demilitarization. This self-sufficiency extends to complementary systems like the Komarac 2 loitering munition—a single-use armed drone that complements the Miloš by striking targets up to 2,000 meters away, whether shielded personnel, equipment, or light vehicles. Displayed alongside the UGV, the Komarac 2 showcased Serbia’s “one-stop-shop” approach, where ground and air assets synergize for comprehensive battlefield dominance.
Looking ahead, the Miloš V1’s debut at Partner 2025 could catalyze export deals, with interest from Middle Eastern and African partners eyeing affordable unmanned solutions. For Serbia, it’s a milestone in its post-Yugoslav rearmament, aligning with NATO interoperability goals while preserving strategic autonomy. As unmanned warfare accelerates—fueled by AI advancements and lessons from ongoing conflicts—the Miloš V1 isn’t just a drone; it’s a harbinger of tactical evolution, where machines lead the charge and humans orchestrate from afar. In a world of drones and data, Serbia’s innovation ensures it’s not just keeping up—it’s setting the pace.
